Roger Williams, pianist, ‘Autumn Leaves’, dies 87

Roger Williams (born Louis Weertz, October 1, 1924 – October 8, 2011) was an American popular music pianist. As of 2004, he had released 116 albums.


In 1955 Williams recorded “Autumn Leaves”, the only piano instrumental to reach #1 on Billboard’s popular music chart.   In 1966 he had another Top Ten hit with the song “Born Free” from the motion picture soundtrack. His other hits include “Near You”, “Till”, “The Impossible Dream”, “Yellow Bird”, “Maria”, and “The Theme from Somewhere in Time”. Billboard magazine ranks him as the top selling piano recording artist in history with 18 gold and platinum albums to his credit. Williams was known as the “Pianist to the Presidents” having played for nine administrations beginning with Harry S. Truman. His last White House performance was in November 2008 for a luncheon hosted by former First Lady Laura Bush.


Roger Williams cause of death
He died on October 8, 2011, one week after his 87th birthday of pancreatic cancer.


Autumn Leaves Roger Williams 1955



Roger Williams Excerpts From Vegas 2010 part 2


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